Strong gusts to continue

SOUTHEASTERN states will be smashed again by powerful gusts of up to 100km/h as residents are urged to prepare for more dangerous conditions.

Dangerous gusts exceeded 100km/h in three states on Sunday, with incredible 114.8km/h winds at Thredbo in the NSW Snowy Mountains and 113km/h winds in Mount Buller, Victoria.

Emergency services were busy attending to fallen trees and powerlines over the weekend as the winds pushed through the two states, and forecasts predict the weather could worsen on Monday.

“Monday is likely to be the windiest day across much of the southeast,” Weatherzone meteorologist Andrew Casper-Richardson said.

“Wind gusts of more than 100km/h are likely over elevated and exposed coastal locations once again.”

Severe weather warnings have been issued across NSW, from Sydney’s CBD down south to Eden and parts of the Central Tablelands, Riverina, Hunter and Central West Slopes.

Dangerous winds are also forecast for large parts of Victoria, including Central, East Gippsland, South West, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland, Wimmera and parts of Mallee Forecast Districts.

The bureau has urged people living in these areas to secure loose items outside their home, avoid parking under trees and keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines.

In South Australia, 544 homes remain without power after storms ripped through the state over the weekend.

The power outages peaked at 13,000 on Saturday night after wind gusts tore down power poles, though authorities have worked hard to get power back to all homes.

Damaging winds averaging 50 to 70km/h, with peak gusts up to 100km/h, are likely about the coasts and ranges on Monday.

Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Maitland, Murray Bridge, Kingscote and Naracoorte are all under severe weather warnings.